Adam Brace, a rookie forward who enjoyed a successful late-season debut in the ECHL last season, has signed an AHL contract with Charlotte.

After four collegiate seasons with Canisius College and Robert Morris University, the 25-year-old scored six points (1g, 5a) in his first four professional games with the Checkers’ affiliate, the Florida Everblades, in March. Despite his relative lack of experience, the 5-foot-10, 183-pound native of Cobden, Ontario, went on to lead the Everblades in playoff scoring with 15 points (6g, 9a) in 13 games.

“He’s a guy that came recommended from Florida and definitely made an impression on the coaches as a guy they thought could contribute at the AHL level,” said Checkers coach Jeff Daniels. “He’s a real smart two-way guy that has shown some offensive ability.”

Brace, who received a one-way AHL contract from Charlotte, also attended the Carolina Hurricanes’ prospect development camp in July, giving him some familiarity with several of his future Checkers teammates.

In 135 total collegiate games, Brace amassed 115 points (46g, 69a), including a career-high and team-leading 41 in 38 outings to help him earn Second Team All-Conference honors with Robert Morris last season. He also played junior hockey with the Pembroke Lumber Kings of the CJHL, where he put together 90 points (37g, 53a) in 50 games during the 2007-08 campaign.

Along with returning forward Matt Marquardt, Brace becomes the second player to sign a one-way AHL contract with the Charlotte this season. Goalie Jesse Deckert, who is expected to provide insurance behind the team’s expected starting tandem of Justin Peters and Mike Murphy, signed a two-way contract last month.

A full listing of the organization’s offseason activity, including those who signed two-way NHL contracts with Carolina, can be found here.